| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 175 | 9g | 1g | 13g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 11g | 1.25g |
Why I Love Thai Clear Tofu Soup
As an exploration into the rich, aromatic world of Thai cuisine, this Clear Tofu Soup recipe holds a special place in my heart. It is an embodiment of my constant pursuit of integrating different flavors from various cuisines into my cooking. There’s something incredibly satisfying about this soup – its simplicity, its deep flavors, and the comforting, clean essence it encapsulates. Undeniably, this recipe blends the robustness of Thai cuisine with my penchant for sourcing quality ingredients from the Pacific Northwest and my constant pursuit of minimalist Japanese cooking traditions.
More Than Just a Simple Soup
This Clear Tofu Soup carries with it an effortless sophistication, mirroring my own approach towards cooking. Each ingredient is carefully considered, playing an essential part in the harmony of flavors. The core of this soup, tofu and vegetable broth, represents the simplicity and quality I admire so much in both Pacific Northwest and Japanese dishes. The addition of an assortment of vegetables not only gives the soup robustness but also, accentuates the innate taste of tofu, taking the overall experience to a new level.
Its creation is inspired by my love for Thai food and the simplicity of Japanese cuisine. Tetsuya Wakuda, a prolific chef known for his fusion of Japanese culinary techniques with Australian ingredients, has always been an inspiration. Although the Clear Tofu Soup isn’t directly linked to his creations, his forward-thinking approach to infusing cultural culinary methodologies certainly encouraged my experimentation.
Pairing and Complimentary Dishes
As a light and flavorful dish, this Clear Tofu Soup pairs well with an assortment of dishes. It makes a brilliant start to a Thai-centric meal, complementing heavier curries or grilled meat dishes like Moo Ping (Thai grilled pork skewers) or a Panang curry. The soup itself can also be an integral part of a constant spread of Asian fusion meals – a refreshing palate cleanser between consuming sushi or tempura from my Japanese cooking heritage.
And don’t forget, food doesn’t only satiate our hunger. It tells a story, takes us on a journey to distant places, and brings us closer to the different cultures of this beautiful world. Every spoonful of Clear Tofu Soup is a step closer to that picturesque Thai countryside or a serene shrine in Japan. So here’s to a serving of tradition, culture, and, most importantly, delighted taste buds!
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pound firm tofu, cubed
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
First, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Saute the garlic, onion, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes in the hot oil until the onions become translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step Two
Add the carrots, celery, red bell pepper and mushrooms to the pot. Stir well and allow the vegetables to cook for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Step Three
Now add the cubed tofu to the pot. Stir gently to combine these ingredients and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes.
Step Four
Next, pour the vegetable broth into the pot and stir in the soy sauce and lime juice. Bring the soup to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Step Five
After the soup is thoroughly cooked, season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir the soup well to distribute the seasonings.
Step Six
Finally, serve the clear tofu soup hot, garnished with thinly sliced green onions and fresh cilantro leaves on top.
